Clarence Lee Mabin

Clarence Lee Mabin passed away peacefully Saturday, August 27, surrounded by his family. He was born to Clarence and Ruth Lee Mabin in St. Joseph, Missouri. Clarence professed his faith in God as a young boy at Trinity Baptist Church. He attended church regularly no matter where he lived, and for the last 30 years was a member of St. James UMC, Kansas City.

He attended Bartlett School from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1949. Clarence married Forestine Elizabeth Tillman on July 15 of that year. After high school, he worked in one of the packing houses in St. Joseph and then, like his father, worked as a waiter on the Burlington Northern Railroad. Encouraged by a passenger in the dining car, Clarence enrolled in St. Joseph Junior College, receiving an associate's degree in engineering. In 1961 he became the first African American to earn a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri.

Following graduation, the Mabins moved to Lincoln where Clarence began his engineering career, working at the Nebraska Department of Roads. He started working at Valmont Industries, Valley, Nebraska in 1973. In 1976, Clarence was appointed head of engineering of the electrical products division. After Valmont, Clarence worked for several engineering firms, including companies in Ohio, Oklahoma, and California.

In 1993, Clarence and a close friend and fellow engineer purchased Custom Engineering, Inc., in Independence, Missouri. Financially troubled at the time, the mechanical and structural firm's revenues tripled in 5 years under the new ownership, and in 2004, it was voted one of the Greater Kansas City Area Chamber of Commerce’s top 10 small businesses. Custom Engineering, and Clarence in particular, received recognition for mentoring and supporting young African Americans considering careers in engineering.

Clarence was nationally known for his expertise in outdoor lighting, pole design and highway signage. He was a member of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials and served on two key national task forces for highway safety. In 1999, he received the highest honor of University of Missouri Engineering College, the Distinguished Service in Engineering award. In 2004, he received the University of Missouri Alumni Association's highest award, the Faculty Alumni Awards. Clarence and Forestine returned to Lincoln in June 2021, after selling his interest in Custom Engineering.

Clarence worked hard, but he also enjoyed having a good time. He loved fishing from the time he was a boy until his mid-eighties. Clarence and Forestine were avid sports fans; they had so much fun attending Mizzou football games. He loved music; especially the “old hymns” of the church. Most of all, Clarence loved being with family and friends. The more people, the merrier!

Clarence is survived by his loving and caring wife of 73 years, Forestine; daughters Ruth Andrews, Lincoln; Margaret Mabin (David Schnitter), New York, NY, Linda Austin (Terry), Katy, TX; son Clarence, Jr., Lincoln; grandchildren: Curt (Jessica), Courtney (Brian), Mason, Nathan, Cameron; great-grandchildren: Caleb, Colby, Smith and Canon; sister, Janice York; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by sister, Dorothy Porter, and son-in-law, Larry Andrews.

Memorials to be designated at a later date.

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